There can be something satisfying about a good conspiracy theory, no matter how implausible, perhaps because it fuels the distrust within all of us of governments, corporations and the like. In some warped way we can relate to the ominous mood of it all, even if we don’t believe in it directly.
Persecuted takes that inner paranoia and blends it relatively smoothly with some nice social commentary of how we barely bat an eyelid when we hear news of corrupt foreign politics and imprisoned activists. So long as something is happening to someone else, somewhere else, we fail to care. It’s a message quite apt for the majority of the western countries of today who care less and less about the plight of asylum seekers and others in need.
In this instance, we have a fictional tale that follows popular television evangelist John Luther (James Remar), who refuses to support a Senator’s bill known as the Faith and Fairness Act. The purpose of the bill remains elusive throughout, as does the reasons why this particular evangelist is the only preacher that seems to matter across all religions.
His refusal to support the bill results in the Senator and other high powered officials framing Luther for the rape and murder of a teenage girl. The preacher’s troubled past comes back to fuel the deceit even though he had been open about it until that point. He’s sent on the run and forced to clear his name.
While certainly pro-religion, writer/director Daniel Lusko avoids preaching or commentary on the subject other than to voice a statement that everyone has the right to free speech. It’s clear from this blatant message that the film is targeting the persecution complex of some Christians, however this doesn’t make it any less accessible or fun for anyone else. Sadly though, none of the characters display any real depth or emotion, making it hard to care too greatly for their fate.
That said, Lusko pushes the action along at a good pace and, plot absurdities aside, he keeps the story interesting and dramatic. It’s a popcorn and moccasin flick for a cold winter’s night, which is perfectly fine for those times you want an adventure without taxing the grey cells.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet
Rating out of 10: 5
Persecuted will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on 9 July 2015.
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